Health Sciences Summer Camps
Inspiring Future Health Leaders
Each year, Dell Med offers day camps for high school students in Central Texas. Participants enjoy hands-on science experiments, interact with health professionals from various fields, spend time with outstanding camp counselors — and much more. Providing these experiences is just one way the Dell Med team encourages members of the local community to pursue careers that contribute to health transformation.
About the Camps
The Health Sciences Summer Camps are an educational opportunity for students interested or motivated in learning more about the health sciences. The camps are designed to inspire, prepare and expose students to professions within the health care field, including those underrepresented in medicine, as defined by the Association of American Medical Colleges.
In the same simulation labs where medical and nursing students train, camp participants learn basic clinical skills such as administering IVs, performing intubations, drawing blood and taking vital signs. Students also engage in a range of laboratory science, discover how technology can aid modern medicine and earn first aid or CPR/automated external defibrillator certification. Plus, they have ample time for recreation at UT Austin in the Texas Union and Gregory Gym.
After participation in the summer camps, high school students are invited to remain engaged with Dell Med throughout the school year in the Health Sciences Yearlong Academy.
Summer Camps in Action
Program Dates & Details
The program offers two camps for the 2025 year:
June Camp
- Camp dates: June 16-20, 9 a.m to 4 p.m
- Nominating districts:
- Austin ISD
- Manor ISD
- Pflugerville ISD
- Idea Public Charter
- Kipp Brave
- Wayside Sci-Tech
- Tuition cost: $500
GEAR UP Residential Camp
- Camp dates: July 7-11 (Monday arrival-Friday departure)
- Restricted to students who attend the following districts. Students from these school districts should contact their respective GEAR UP coordinator for more information:
- Del Valle ISD
- San Marcos ISD
- Cold Springs Oakhurst ISD
- Lufkin ISD
- Jasper ISD
- Port Arthur ISD
- Tuition cost: $0 (housing and meals provided)
How to Apply
There are two ways to apply: through a school district nomination or the open application.
School District Nominations
Dell Med partners with local school districts and partners to fill enrollment and ensure that the camps are serving local students well. Nominations from school district partners comprise 75% of total camp enrollment. Each school district and partner designs their own nomination process and decides which schools participate to meet camp eligibility criteria.
Students who attend one of the listed school districts and have an interest in participating in this year’s program are encouraged to speak with their school counselor, health science teacher or CTE coordinator — they can provide additional information about their respective nomination process. Nominations are limited for each school system and partner. First-generation college students and students with free or reduced lunch qualification are prioritized.
Open Application
High school students in ninth through 11th grade from any district and residency are eligible to participate in the camps. Note: The application will be made available April 2 at 7 a.m., with selection notifications by April 30.
The application does not require any uploads or letters of recommendation; it consists of 20 questions designed for student responses. Questions will not be released ahead of the application open date. Fifteen applicants will be selected along with five waitlist positions. Selected and waitlisted students will be notified by email by April 30.
Cost & Scholarships
Camp tuition is $500 per student. Tuition is waived for students who qualify for the federal free/reduced lunch program. Financial assistance is available for families experiencing economic hardship.
For questions about the camp, contact the team.
Engage With Dell Med Pathways
Dell Med is committed to creating opportunities and experiences in the health sciences for local youth. Explore Dell Med’s pathway programs on Instagram for a firsthand look at the Health Sciences Summer Camps and more.